Race summary

The most closely watched of all Massachusetts races this fall, the gubernatorial contest pits the incumbent Democrat, Deval L. Patrick, against a Republican challenger, Charles D. Baker; an independent candidate, state Treasurer Timothy P. Cahill, and Lexington physician Jill Stein, who is running on the Green-Rainbow ticket. Patrick was elected in 2006 after 16 years of Republican rule. The GOP is eager to reclaim the Corner Office behind Baker, a former health care executive and a top state official in Republican administrations in the 1990s. Governors serve for four years.

Gloucester's schools reflect the financial pressures squeezing school systems across the state. It also previews one of the most important issues that will face the winner of the race for governor.(Boston Globe, 10/19/10)

WORCESTER — Laura Lemay and Lucille Sidley are both unemployed. Both believe the winner of Tuesday’s election for governor must make jobs a top priority. But they split over who ought to get the chance.(Globe Staff, 10/30/10)

Four years ago, the candidates for governor spent a ton of money while the political parties played supporting roles. In this year’s contest, it’s the opposite: Candidates are spending less, and the parties have stepped in to fund much of the campaign.(Globe Staff, 10/30/10)

With a flurry of new polls suggesting a close race for governor, Republican challenger Charles D. Baker attacked Governor Deval Patrick over the state’s welfare program yesterday, trying to blame him for a long-established system that gives some recipients access to cash for unrestricted purchases.(Globe Staff, 10/29/10)